on February 26, 2012 at 11:11 am

I think honestly it comes down to the medical evaluation. The common thread between Thompson’s injury and Murphy’s injury (I’m not sure about the others) is the presence of spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal column). That’s a big deal because, while you can live a healthy normal life with it, spinal stenosis increases the chance of serious debilitating spinal injuries.

Collins has no prior history of this, it’s only sometimes a side effect of cervical fusion (generally more pronounced in those already predisposed to it.) So there’s a chance that Collins escapes without developing spinal stenosis, in which case I see no reason that he can’t be cleared to play. That is, if the doctors can say, with a high degree of confidence, that Collins’ chance of serious neck injury has not increases, then you clear him.

If there’s any evidence of spinal stenosis at all, I agree that they don’t clear him. But to my eyes it’s akin to a coin flip. It’s based on some medical data we have no conceivable way to know, so I’m not inclined to speculate as to what will happen.

"PossibleCabbage" wrote:

I've been up front about this since the day he was carted off the field, I don't want to see Nick on a football field in pads ever again. I am not a selfish fan. He is not going to do anybody any good if he is paralyzed from his neck down. He goes down as one of GB's all time great safeties, he has a ring and financial security - he does not need to come back.

Originally Posted by: DakotaT 

The main problem I have is that he was just SOOOOO good, you know? He could really be one of the all time greats.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

I do have the feeling that we will never see Collins in a Packer uniform again. It is not worth the risk. To me no Collins is on par with our pass rush problem. It will be interesting how Ted handles this as it was pretty obvious our current roster is not adequate when it comes to the Safety position. Not to mention that Collins was a leader on D. I have seen Mark Barron slip to the mid 20s in Mock Drafts. If he does last that long I wouldn't mind Ted making a trade up to get him. I don't see him getting past Denver. Dawkins is nearly done and has his own neck issues to deal with.

Originally Posted by: TheKanataThrilla 

Woodson is moving to safety. It's the most obvious solution and it keeps everything in house. If anything, I think the Packers will take a strong look at corners in the draft. The team needs a versatile player capable of covering the slot and blitzing the QB. Janoris Jenkins is very similar to Woodson in that regard and he could fall because of his past.

Originally Posted by: porky88 

I've been up front about this since the day he was carted off the field, I don't want to see Nick on a football field in pads ever again. I am not a selfish fan. He is not going to do anybody any good if he is paralyzed from his neck down. He goes down as one of GB's all time great safeties, he has a ring and financial security - he does not need to come back.

Originally Posted by: DakotaT